What Do You Do if a Wisdom Tooth Breaks?

Posted on 4/15/2017 by Dr. Michael Allard

A broken tooth should never be ignored. It is important to get to your dentist to have it evaluated and treated. Some breaks can be fixed with a filling material. More severe breaks usually require crown, which helps to provide stability.

If the break extends into the pulp of the tooth, you may need a root canal prior to getting your crown. Whichever option is chosen, the goal of restoring a broken tooth is to preserve the tooth and prevent infection. But what about if you break a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the molars all the way at the back of your mouth. They are the last to erupt, usually coming in in your late teens to early 20s.

For many people, wisdom teeth are problematic, becoming impacted or having insufficient room to emerge. This is why so many young adults have their wisdom teeth removed. For those who have otherwise healthy wisdom teeth, there is no need to have them extracted.

Treatment for Broken Wisdom Teeth

If you still have your wisdom teeth, they are just as susceptible to damage as the rest of your teeth. There are a few factors that need to be considered before your dentist can decide what to do.

The position of your wisdom tooth is one. If it is impacted or putting you at risk for gum disease, or you have other wisdom teeth that are impacted, it may be recommended that you have the broken wisdom tooth (and other impacted wisdom teeth) removed. Wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced.

If there are no complications with the tooth, and it plays a role in chewing, then your dentist may consider either filling the tooth or placing a crown.

If you have broken a wisdom tooth, contact our office right away. Your dentist will examine your mouth and determine the best course of action for your oral health.

About UsDr. Michael Allard has been delivering outstanding care in oral and maxillofacial surgery here in Arizona since 2000. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Glendale, AZ, Dr. Allard manages a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions.